Researchers in Sydney have found that lockdowns and travel restrictions have led to the emergence of geographically specific variants and out-of-season outbreaks of childhood respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
According to NSW Health, there were 1,140 RSV cases in the week ending May 22, up from 766 the week before and 508 the week early.
RSV is the most common cause of respiratory and respiratory infections in children, and severe cases can lead to lung infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
More than 900 children under five were admitted to hospitals in May with bronchiolitis — about 40 percent of these cases were recognized at the time.
Camera icon There has been a sharp rise in the number of cases of RSV, flu, rhinovirus, and adenovirus in recent weeks. Delivered Credit: Delivered
“Restrictions put in place to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 were also very effective in limiting the spread of existing respiratory pathogens such as influenza, RSV, and rhinovirus,” lead researcher Dr. John-Sebastian Eden told NCA NewsWire.
Now that restrictions have been relaxed, people are more vulnerable to winter viruses.
The researchers noted that a new strain of RSV was being transmitted in Western Australia, where borders were closed for longer than in other states.
Camera Icon The epidemiology of RSV detections in three Australian states. Nature Credit: NCA NewsWire
Predictions of a strong virus return after the easing of lockdowns proved correct, but it came much earlier than expected during the summer.
“It was completely unprecedented to see,” said Dr. Eden.
After almost no cases during the pandemic’s first winter lockdown, the virus outbreaks came faster the following summer than usual in winter.
Dr. Eden said there had been a sharp rise in the number of cases of RSV, flu, rhinovirus, and adenovirus in recent weeks.
“Influenza and RSV have the highest hospitalization rates and affect the most vulnerable in our community, so it’s important that we remain vigilant and do our best to avoid others if they are feeling unwell,” he said.
Camera icon More than 900 children under five were admitted to hospitals in May with bronchiolitis. NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper Credit: News Corp Australia
Victorian doctors reported an alarming rise in the number of children entering the emergency room with RSV in the late summer of 2021.
Children and teenagers are responsible for more than half of flu cases in NSW this year.
There is no vaccine to protect against RSV, so health experts advise Old Believers to wash their hands, wear masks and stay home when sick are the best ways to reduce the spread of the virus.
Free flu shots will be available free of charge to all residents of NSW from Wednesday throughout June.
